Dowel Drilling Guide Quick-Action Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for drilling dowel holes in panel bodies require complex and time-consuming manual adjustments and fixing processes, which can lead to inaccuracies and increased production time.

Innovation Solution

A quick-action clamping device with an adjustable clamping force is integrated into the drilling template, allowing for secure and simplified fixing and adjustment of the drilling template relative to the base body, using a spring-loaded clamping mandrel and pivotable clamping lever to facilitate easy alignment and secure positioning of guide holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manually operable locking screws are used to fix the drilling template to the base body, then secure fixing is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixingVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic quick-action clamping device where the clamping lever can be easily pivoted between locked and unlocked positions. The clamping mandrel is spring-loaded to automatically engage with the drilling template when the lever is in the locked position, and disengage when the lever is pivoted to the unlocked position. This dynamic mechanism replaces static manual screw tightening with a simple lever movement, dramatically reducing adjustment time while maintaining secure fixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the time-consuming manual screw tightening operation from the fixing process. Instead of requiring operators to manually tighten multiple locking screws, the invention uses a lever-operated mechanism where a single pivoting motion simultaneously controls the engagement of spring-loaded clamping mandrels, removing the tedious manual adjustment step while preserving reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If manual screw adjustments are required for fixing the drilling template, then secure positioning is achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioningVSAvoidfixing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent screw tightening operations into a single integrated lever mechanism. The clamping lever is connected to spring-loaded clamping mandrels that simultaneously engage with the drilling template when the lever is actuated. This combines what would otherwise be multiple separate fixing operations into one unified action, simplifying the process while maintaining secure positioning through the combined force of multiple clamping elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded clamping mandrels provide self-service by automatically engaging and applying clamping force when the lever is positioned in the locked state, without requiring manual tightening. The springs automatically maintain the clamping force, and the system self-regulates to provide secure positioning without complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple locking screws are used to secure the drilling template, then reliable fixing is achieved, but the adjustment and repositioning process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable fixingVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, multi-step screw tightening process into a dynamic, single-motion lever operation. The clamping lever is designed to pivot quickly between locked and unlocked positions, and the spring-loaded mandrels respond dynamically to the lever's position, automatically engaging or disengaging to maintain reliable fixing while enabling rapid adjustment and repositioning of the drilling template.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables faster and more accurate alignment of dowel holes, reducing the need for manual screw adjustments and allowing for quicker changes in guide hole positions, thereby enhancing the efficiency and precision of dowel hole production.

Implementation Method 1

quick-action clamping device having a spring-loaded clamping mandrel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

quick-action clamping device having a pivotable clamping lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3156161B1Device, in particular dowel hole drilling guide, for drilling dowel holes aligned with one another using drilling tools
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 KWB GERMANY
  • EP3156161B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3156161B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3156161B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for aligning drilling tools relative to plate bodies, in particular dowel drilling jigs, comprising a base body (2) that can be brought into contact with at least one plate body, at least one centering element (42) for aligning the base body (2) relative to the plate body, and a drilling template (4) with several guide holes (6, 6') for drilling tools of different diameters, wherein the drilling template (4) is adjustably mounted on the base body (2). In particular, it is proposed that the device includes a quick-release clamping device (8) for fixing at least the drilling template (4) relative to the base body (2).